‘The Story Of Souleymane’ Review – A Poignant Look At A Refugee’s Internal Struggle [Cannes 2024]

In the city of lights, there is a flicker of hope—no, more than hope, there is desperation. The Story of Souleymane (L’histoire de Souleymane) takes us on a survival and last resort journey. In a movie exploring the bounds of political asylum with the right amount of ambiguity to fuel a thousand storylines, this film is as much about a moment as a struggle. The whole narrative predicates our protagonist telling his story, which is uncomfortable and revealing. In a final scene that comes down to people talking, The Story of Souleymane is profound in its heartbreak but resilient in its message.

The film begins with a man on a bike. Food delivery cyclist Souleymane (Abou Sangare) is preparing for his interview. He is seeking asylum and will start the process in two days. However, he is still getting ready and spends his days working and recounting his story. The Story of Souleymane lends itself to a documentary quality, which is engaging for a film focusing on the days and nights of a single character. However, the story is sharp and moves effortlessly with a thriller-like precision. Much of the film builds up to the interview, which encompasses the film’s final fifteen minutes. We await the ending, but our journey with Souleymane delivers a story of heartbreak, tragedy, and endurance. 

The film lacks any significant supporting characters, placing the weight of the narrative entirely on Sangare’s performance – and what a performance it is. He shines, to put it simply. The subtle nuances in his acting are the key to unlocking the struggle within his character’s soul. As Souleymane hails from Guinea, the script focuses on dialect and customs, capturing them beautifully. However, it is Sangare’s performance that elevates this solo act. His expressions convey fear, defeat, cunning, and honesty. We are captivated as this character bikes through Paris, burdened by the weight of the world on his shoulders. It is a daunting performance, and Sangare makes it look effortless.

As mentioned, the film leads to the interview as Souleymane pleads for asylum. The final fifteen minutes are the interview itself, and it is riveting. Two characters talking. Souleymane expresses his unease and uncertainty. Opposite him is an Officer of The French Office of Protection (l’agente de l’ofpra), portrayed by Nina Meurisse. She provides the right balance of cold and comfort—a bureaucrat by the station but one with a soul. Sangare shines with his tepid nervousness and unease as he waffles back and forth before finally opening up to explain his struggle. He pleads his case in a display of raw emotion and genuine sacrifice. 

Interestingly, the final part of this film relies on dialogue. The script itself encompassed twenty pages. At this moment, all of the subtle nuances of Souleymane’s character are put on the front burner. We see his strengths, hear his fears, and understand his passions. The film examines a brilliant battle between personal truth and actual truth. Souleymane is seen rehearing his truth leading up to the interview, which conflicts with the actual truth. The director, Boris Lojkin, describes the interview as a duel, and it is a joust. A duel of wits occurs, and where Souleymane ultimately comes to peace with his truth and the actual one that may determine his asylum.

The Story of Souleymane is deft in its execution of presenting Souleymane as a political prisoner and someone fighting and fleeing from a cause. The layers of the film arrive on full display when the interview occurs, and there is a sense of the walls coming down, but there is no realization of defeat. The film purposely brings us along as Souleymane must reconcile his past and be true to himself. 

The film’s ending is ambiguous, leaving Souleymane’s asylum status to interpretation. However, the film’s focus is on something other than this outcome. The Story of Souleymane is about defying expectations and dismantling the myth of moral victories. It is a compelling exploration of personal and political survival with a rich tapestry that engages the audience.  

The Story of Souleymane held its World Premiere as a part of the Un Certain Regard section of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. 

Director: Boris Lojkin

Screenwriters: Boris Lojkin, Delphine Agut

Rated: NR

Runtime: 92m